Manchester United legend quits as national manager after failure to qualify for the World Cup
Dwight Yorke has departed his position as head coach of Trinidad and Tobago following a breakdown in contract negotiations, with the former Manchester United striker declining to accept a pay cut.
The 54-year-old’s exit came at the conclusion of February after the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association proposed new financial terms that proved unacceptable to their former national captain.
His departure follows the Soca Warriors’ unsuccessful bid to reach the 2026 World Cup, with the team finishing third in their qualifying group last November.
The TTFA confirmed the news on Thursday, stating that the two parties had been unable to “reach an agreement” on the revised contract.
Their statement read: “Following the conclusion of the recent FIFA World Cup qualification campaign in which T&T failed to advance to the 2026 World Cup, the TTFA Executive Committee conducted a comprehensive review of the campaign and the overall direction of the Men’s Senior National Team programme, inclusive of its technical structure and financial framework.
“Subsequent discussions were held between the TTFA and Mr Yorke regarding the future of the role, including revised contractual terms and remuneration aligned to the next phase of the programme.
“After these discussions, both parties were unable to reach agreement on the proposed terms at this time, and it was mutually decided to part ways.”
The federation expressed gratitude for Yorke’s “commitment” since taking charge in November 2024, adding that “the door is not closed to future dialogue” with their former skipper.
Dwight Yorke has departed his position as head coach of Trinidad and Tobago
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Despite the disappointing end to World Cup qualification, Yorke’s tenure included notable achievements, most significantly guiding the Caribbean nation to the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup finals.
However, their continental success could not be replicated in the World Cup campaign, where a 1-1 draw against Jamaica in their final qualifier sealed their fate.
That result came just months after their impressive Gold Cup run had raised hopes of a return to football’s biggest stage.
Yorke’s connection to Trinidad and Tobago football extends far beyond the dugout.
Dwight Yorke declined to accept a pay cut
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The former Premier League star earned 72 caps and scored 18 goals during his playing career.
He captained the nation at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
During that tournament, the Soca Warriors secured a memorable goalless draw against Sweden before defeats to Paraguay and eventual Group B winners England ended their campaign.
The former striker’s managerial experience remains limited since retiring from playing in 2009.
The former Premier League star earned 72 caps and scored 18 goals during his playing career
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His first senior coaching role came with Australian A-League club Macarthur FC in 2022.
He went on to win the Australia Cup Final before departing in January 2023.
Yorke subsequently won a legal case against the club.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport ordered Macarthur to pay him approximately £157,374.
